Bill > HB290

This bill establishes strict liability for crimes committed against individuals aged 60 and older across several different criminal statutes in Hawaii, including assault, unauthorized dwelling entry, theft, and forgery. Specifically, the bill removes language that previously required the perpetrator to know or reasonably know the victim's age, and instead creates a legal standard where the offender is automatically considered responsible for the age-related aspect of the crime, regardless of whether they were aware the victim was 60 or older. This means that if someone commits assault, theft, forgery, or unauthorized entry involving a victim 60 or older, they can be prosecuted under the enhanced provisions even if they did not knowingly target an elderly person. The changes apply to multiple sections of Hawaii's Revised Statutes and essentially provide additional legal protection for older residents by making it easier to prosecute crimes against them. The bill does not affect legal proceedings or penalties that were already in process before its implementation, and it will take effect immediately upon approval.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=290&year=2025